Cantaloupe: Rediscovering the forgotten gem

Amidst the sea of exotic fruits that have taken over the shops, it is easy to forget those with a long history in our country. One such underrated fruit is the cantaloupe – a true treasure with a rich history and exceptional health properties.

Traditional fruits like apples, pears, and raspberries reign supreme, but there are also less popular yet equally healthy and tasty products from abroad available on the market. One such fruit gaining recognition worldwide but still underappreciated in Poland is the cantaloupe, also known as the papal fruit. Why should we pay attention to this exotic yet exceptionally tasty and healthy melon?

The cantaloupe, the papal fruit, is a variety of muskmelon from the Cucurbitaceae family. Although we can now find it in most supermarkets, its history dates back to antiquity. It originally hails from Africa and Asia but reached Europe in the 15th century. It owes its name to Cantalupo in Italy, where it began to be cultivated for the papal gardens. This is how the melon earned its nickname "papal fruit".

Cantaloupe stands out not only for its intriguing history but also for its appearance. Its exterior is green, hard, and netted skin that hides soft, orange flesh. This juicy and aromatic fruit typically weighs around 2 pounds and is characterised by an intensely sweet aroma and taste, especially when fully ripe. However, it is important to remember that cantaloupe has a short shelf life and should be consumed shortly after purchase.

Cantaloupe is not just about exceptional taste but also a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. Regular consumption brings many benefits to our body:

• Hydration and weight loss: Cantaloupe mainly consists of water, making it an excellent refreshing choice, especially on hot days. Moreover, it is low in calories, making it a great addition to a weight-loss diet.
• Immune boost: The high vitamin C content effectively strengthens our immune system, protecting us from infections.
• Youthful and healthy skin: Cantaloupe's antioxidants slow the skin’s ageing process, improve its elasticity, and reduce the visibility of wrinkles.
• Heart health: Potassium, one of the most essential minerals found in cantaloupe, positively impacts heart function, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Healthy vision: Beta-carotene, the natural pigment giving cantaloupe its characteristic orange colour, is vital for maintaining healthy vision. Regular consumption of this fruit can help prevent macular degeneration, the primary cause of vision loss in older adults.

Cantaloupe is an incredibly versatile fruit that serves well as a standalone snack and an ingredient in various dishes. You can:

• Eat it fresh: This is the simplest and tastiest way to enjoy cantaloupe. Cut it half, remove the seeds, and enjoy the sweet flesh.
• Add it to salads: Cantaloupe pairs well with other fruits, vegetables, and herbs, creating light and refreshing salads.
• Use it for smoothies: Cantaloupe's sweet taste blends perfectly with natural yogurt, plant milk, or juice, creating delicious and healthy smoothies.
• Bake cakes and desserts: Cantaloupe can make sweet bakes like cakes, tarts, or muffins.
• Dry it: Dried cantaloupe is an excellent alternative to sweets. You can add it to muesli, yogurt, or porridge.

Though often underrated, cantaloupe is a fruit with exceptional health properties and an extremely pleasant taste. It is worth incorporating it into your daily diet to enjoy health and vitality.